The new season opened with a bang on Friday, guided and unguided boats hit the fishing grounds with great excitement. The first 2 days of the season proved to be a busy time! Guests have been scrapping with feisty 15-25 lb Chinooks throughout the day. There have been a few Humpback whales hanging around and their consistent feeding is a good sign for bait in the water around Cape Naden and Bird 1. The MV Driftwood made her way to Naden Harbour on Friday and has taken up her position on the fishing grounds for hungry fishermen and fisher ladies. On the weekend guests fought against some northwest winds but most made it out on the Hali grounds. Some great chicken and turkey-sized halibut made their way to the dock.
With a shift in the winds to southeast we’re fishing Cape Edenshaw today; it proved quite productive on Monday for our new guests who arrived for the week. Lots of bait, really small needlefish predominantly, are hanging in close around the Mazzaredo Islands. Fishing small spoons like a Coho Killer on the rigger at 17-22 feet in only 30-45 feet of water has been too much fun! Jim B boated a 30 pound beauty near the Mazz on Monday to get a crack at the Tyee Bell on the dock last night. Great fish Jim!
One of the coolest things about our early season fishery is the presence of larger-sized “keeper” halibut in close to shore. Big flatties in the 40-60 pound range cruise around the kelp beds to feed on the millions of needlefish that hold there. It’s not unusual to bump into one of these while trolling for salmon so be ready! Ask Troy R about it! With his guide Jordan G just trolling for salmon along the kelp, it was WHAM and he was on the business end of a halibut that tipped the scale at 49 pounds last night. Total bonus fish. Great job guys!
The Bell Ringer is in full swing with delicious appies and tasty treats while fish are limed up at the scale. Never a dull moment down there!
Season 2016 is underway big time and we look forward to seeing you up here soon!
